Managing Diastolic Dysfunction Perioperatively

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology
• Perioperative Medicine

Background:

• Preoperative cardiac evaluation is crucial in anesthesiology.
• Focus is often on systolic function (ejection fraction) and valvular disease.
• Diastolic dysfunction, a predictor of mortality, is frequently overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical relevance of diastolic dysfunction in the perioperative setting.
• To discuss management strategies for perioperative diastolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review.
• Literature search on preoperative cardiac evaluation, diastolic dysfunction, and perioperative outcomes.

Main Results:

• Diastolic heart failure is an independent predictor of mortality.
• Diastolic dysfunction can occur in patients with normal systolic function.
• Echocardiography may be indicated even with adequate functional capacity if diastolic dysfunction is suspected.

Conclusions:

• Diastolic function assessment is critical in preoperative cardiac evaluation.
• Perioperative management should consider diastolic dysfunction to improve patient outcomes.
• Further research into optimizing perioperative care for patients with diastolic dysfunction is warranted.